New York Fashion Week: Victoria Beckham takes a shore leave
The 1921 Cunard Building on Wall Street, with its ornate ceilings decorated with all things related to the sea, was the setting for Victoria Beckham’s spring collection shown Sunday morning at New York Fashion Week.
Beckham wrote in her show notes that the opening of her first retail space earlier this year on Dover Street in London’s Mayfair pushed her to examine the DNA of her brand more closely, and focus on the idea of creating an “eclectic uniform in the form of an exact, yet wearable wardrobe.” That exercise seemed to give her permission to take a shore leave of sorts, and explore a more lighthearted side of her design aesthetic.
Also of note, Beckham designed the show shoes under her own name for the first time, including pink floral patchwork leather Western shoe booties, which completed the fun-loving picture.
The inspiration: Brand building, and my guess is, broadening.
The look: Straight-laced but not afraid to bust out like a Spice Girl once in a while.
Key pieces: Neat-and-tidy natural linen coat, sleeveless jacket and mini dress with cargo pockets, architectural folds and cutouts. Safari shirts, belted jackets and midi skirts in a rich red. Chunky, nautical-inspired striped knit skirt and white pullover with side lacing detail. Pants suit with cargo pockets and epaulets in eclectic, electric pink Pop art blooms. Chunky platform sandals and flat shoe booties.
The verdict: Beckham first gained a foothold in fashion with her body con designs, then set her sights on creating a minimalist, tailored uniform. Now, she’s perfected that look, and is starting to chart new territory with bright color and eclectic print. She’s off to an intriguing start. Let’s see where it leads next.
